As horror fans, we eagerly await the opportunity to discover a new film that offers a unique and innovative premise. But sometimes, that enthusiasm can be short-lived when we realize the project’s potential is lost due to the use of too many horror cliches.
Such is the case with Robert Macon’s new film, The Unheard, a horror story about a small town with a dark secret. The town has a history of strange occurrences and fantastical events that have baffled locals and visitors alike. But unfortunately, despite an intriguing concept, Macon’s film falls prey to classic horror tropes, making it a predictable and tedious experience.
The Unheard begins by introducing us to its protagonist, Lillian, who is skeptical but curious about the strange events in her hometown. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the film is relying heavily on horror movie cliches, such as jump scares, creaky noises, and jump cuts. Unfortunately, none of these moments are especially creative, leaving viewers wondering why they even bothered to watch in the first place.
The Unheard’s plot is also heavy with familiar plot points and tropes, making the story far too predictable. We’ve seen the ghost-in-the-attic plot device plenty of times before, and while Lillian’s investigation into her neighbor’s disappearance is interesting, it’s all too familiar. The plot also fails to fully explore its concept, particularly when it fails to provide viewers with any real insight into the mysterious events surrounding the town.
To make matters worse, The Unheard’s horror moments fail to deliver the necessary scares that come with the genre. The lack of suspense and tension is particularly disappointing, as Macon often relies too heavily on classic horror tropes and never really experiments with the formula. Instead, the film prefers to stick to the tried and true, which does nothing to make the movie stand out.
Ultimately, The Unheard could have been an entertaining and unique horror movie if its creators had bothered to get creative with their premise. Instead, it relies heavily on classic horror tropes, making it a predictable and dull experience. Horror fans should look elsewhere for a more satisfying movie-watching experience.
